[ before he chuckles softly, and rests his hand lightly on the boy's head to ruffle his hair in a gently teasing, fond gesture ]
Hens are cute, I'll give you that. And I bet you'll do a wonderful job looking after them, the roosters too! They'll be lucky to have such a kind caretaker.
[ but-- ]
But you mentioned... a gift? Something the Admin gave you? [ that is cause for some concern, not only because of the child's circumstances, but the priest does not trust that man ]
[ hair ruffles are always good as they are welcomed, eyes pressing shut with a smile. it helps warm off the edge of feeling guilty, and he supposes a priest was a good person to be honest to? since he already started off, there wasn’t a reason to fall back. he reaches close to his pocket, where a holster is clipped. he pulls a marble sized orb from the holster, and cups it in his palms; a gentle blue light warms from it. ]
I asked for a rifle, so I could protect people, but . . . [ there was titan shifting too, but that . . . not only was it unstable, it was also overkill. the little orb rolls in his hand from side to side as he dips them gently. ] I never liked them. I don’t like hurting anyone. He gave me this instead, and said that if I practice hard enough, [ he holds his hand up with his palm curved up, just enough to keep it in place, ] it’d make anything lose its need for violence If I wanted them to.
[ it’s . . . a lot of responsibility. in the wrong hands, it could be a destructive advantage over people. it could make them defenseless over falco. he’s also a boy of his word though: he promised not to use it for anything that wasn’t either self defense or for someone’s own. the thought of it being with anyone else makes him swallow, tightly. ]
It’s just for a few minutes, but I think that’s more than enough to save someone. You won’t tell anyone else, right?
[ even if admin said it, that was alright. at least word didn’t come from falco when it came to others. he could become just as much of a weapon if the wrong person knew. ]
[ he can't help but give something of a start at the warm, ethereal light produced from the marble-sized ball; he hasn't seen anything quite like it. the boy's explanation does little to quell the feeling of wonder-- and soft appreciation for the child's gentle nature. the more he talks with him, the more assured Abel is that Falco...? is a kind-hearted, sweet boy who hardly deserved to be here... ]
[ ...but he was. ]
[ when he extolls the purpose of the orb, Abel can't help but stare at it. it could pacify someone? that was... immensely powerful-- Falco had the right gist of it, and not for the first time, the priest is left wondering at the Admin's intentions, left trying to figure out the sort of person who would give this to the boy. ]
It's beautiful...
[ he finds himself gently nodding his head in answer ] ...Of course. This will stay between us, okay? Please don't worry. [ it was a lot of responsibility to place on Falco's shoulders, this deceptively small object... but... ]
I think... you're the perfect master for this. If you learn how to use it well, then... you'll be able to do a lot of good with it. [ he hopes he would never have to use it-- but if he did... Abel knew he would do so wisely and with a pure heart ]
[ his heart swells with possibility and hope. he hopes he can. he feels like he needs to and nods gratefully, cupping the orb and slipping it back into its holster. ]
I hope so . . . [ he takes the moment to take the thermos he was given to take a sip of the tea— very good tea. ] Master Admin said it’d help with my, [ a beat, before he sets the bottle down, slides his blazer off his shoulders to reveal what the collar had covered off: two purple swirls adjacent to each other enough that they form an uncanny “S” together, with large tendrils extending into his scalp, hidden by hair, and down to the start of his shoulders, ending at the space just before the nape on both sides. ] problem.
[ and if he wanted to see it better, he’d be given more room to. ]
[ ah-- he is leaning in a bit as Falco displays the mark on his neck, and his brow furrows softly together in consternation. the purple swirls... so this is what it looked like. at least it gave him some context for the issue the boy had been forced to face, but... ]
...Does it hurt, Falco?
[ the question is quiet. he wishes he had the strength of his colleagues, some way to remove this for him. perhaps he was a priest, but he hadn't been gifted with magic or spiritual energy or anything of the like - all he had was the sincere wish to make this child's burden vanish ]
Only with “Holy Water”. Right now it’s just, [ he rubs it again, gently before his hand is sliding back down to his lap. ] numb, like if I had ice on it for a really long time.
[ there’s something that’s been plaguing his thoughts, though. something stupid but still a concern that eats away at the attempts to say it: his lips move, but he doesn’t speak, only to suck in breath right after inhaling to start. ]
Back home they’d call us descendants of the devil. [ it’s a long history that falco doesn’t agree with, he’s just as human and deserving as everyone else, but . . . ] This doesn’t mean that’s true, does it?
[ because holy water was a quick association for agony, now, no matter how many times he tried to convince himself it was for good. you can’t quite convince someone with a phobia for needles that it won’t hurt— because it was terrifying even if needed. ]
[ who? trying to word it differently just comes off, so he goes with the naked truth, hands on his knees and regarding abel. ]
It’s . . . History, I guess. Eldians did a lot of horrible things to Marleyans in the past. They’re the only people who can turn into monsters, uh, [ gesture, ] giants. It’s what we all learn.
[ even if he didn’t agree, it wasn’t as if he could just ignore it. the world was so full of shades and he could see them all the way they are. beyond them, even. it sounded almost silly now, asking for that sort of reassurance, so he ducks his head. ]
I just, [ he lifts both hands and drops his fingers on his kneecaps again in a light fwup. ] wanted to make sure.
[ his heart aches as the priest gently rests his hands atop Falco’s where the boy has them at his knees. cruel... people truly could be beyond cruel— to a child...
there’s a reassuring confidence in his voice ]
You are nothing like the devil. Or a monster, or anything even close to that... okay?
[ his fingers give a gentle squeeze ]
People can say terrible things when they’re hurt or scared. It doesn’t make it right, but... I hope you know it means it was never about you. Because you are not what they’re afraid of, and that isn’t who you are inside.
[ Abel gently lifts the heavy rosary from where it’s dangling from his neck, hanging low over his lap. he takes one of Falco’s hands, and with care, winds small fingers around the time-worn edges, just to prove it won’t burn or hurt him. ]
[ he knew that— fear was in the past, not him as a person. it's why he never minded when others were scornful. they didn't know anything else, they weren't taught or shown otherwise, so he could . . . considerately understand them. he'd help them anyway. it's what falco's always done, all while fishing for a way to keep them from being forced down these paths. a work in progress that might've been to big for him to punch a dent in.
truth be told, falco is half reluctant at first, shying away from touching it until— he complies, keeps his fingers open and ready for the touch. nothing happens, and his shoulders ease from whatever tension it still held. ]
. . . Thank you. [ and to clarify: ] I know. I was just— worried. It almost felt like a coincidence.
[ his expression softens into what he hopes is an encouraging smile. ...there is a darkness in Falco's eyes that has nothing to do with his possession and everything to do with things the child has seen he shouldn't have. experiences... memories. loss. grief. a burden he's too young to have been made to bear. ]
...Do you mind if I ask you something personal? And - I want you to know you can refuse to answer, if it makes you uncomfortable. Okay? Please don't feel like you have to tell me.
[ at this rate— talking has been the thing that most helps him rather than not. falco peers at the priest while cradling the lunch box being closed in his lap, saving the remaining pastries for the mandalorian and the child, that he'll be staying with tonight. ]
That's fine . . . Don't worry about it. [ he's only been honest until now and even when it's dark, having someone around like that felt like he was looking at the warmth of a candle fire cupped in his hand. ] I like talking— It helps.
[ Abel hopes that the subject matter won't upset him, but... considering the nature of their talk so far, maybe it was inevitable. ]
What is it like for you, back at home...?
[ there's unrest, and some sort of dispute between two peoples - he's gathered that much. but he means more personally. what is his home life like...? is he happy? is he safe? ]
[ he wants to believe he still has a home, at least. falco nods, let’s a quiet oh slip past his lips, and uses his hands to help with speaking. ]
I lived in an internment zone with Mom and Dad until I was . . . Five, I think? In a city called Liberio. It’s in Marley. [ whether that would make a difference since so many worlds are different, he still said it. the time is a little muddled because he was certainly too young, and there was a stop in celebrating birthdays the second he was strong enough to carry a rifle. ] I was out for most of the time, so, things would change a lot. But it was . . . Alright. [ his “alright” is a little doubtful, mostly because it wasn’t the best and he wants change, but there’s fear of being ungrateful. things could be better, but they could also be much worse. oh— a little twinkle, even if he uses past tense: ] And I had a big brother, so we were together more than with our parents when we were out.
[ he tries to picture what kind of place Falco was describing, what sort of world it was, what kind of society... 'monsters,' he had said. the 'giants.' a people who could turn into monsters... hm. ]
...And where did you go, after that?
[ Abel tilts his head, the question lingering alongside concern in his eyes. had something happened to his family...? ]
The Continental Mainland. A four year war started between Marley and the Mid-Eastern Allied Forces, so we were stationed to take back Fort Salva on the coast.
They’re too old to, I think. [ and actually being taken to serve, in that case, was a death sentence for treachery. he’s been threatened of that already, that the whole family would be made part of the raiding fleet if he stepped out of line. ] It was just me and Colt.
Then - you mean, you and your brother? You... were serving?
[ child soldiers?? he wishes the idea were more outlandish than it was... but that kind of life for a kind-hearted boy like this... ah. it makes him vaguely sick to think about it. the concern in his eyes deepens... ]
[ it wasn't what he wanted, but among all the options? it was the best one. ]
I had to for my family at first, but now . . . [ oh, hold on. there's something in his pocket. it isn't anyone's, actually, he got it from fruit's basket and he carries it around just to soothe his memory since he had not photographs, but. there it is. a polar bear keychain. ] It's for someone else. And I'll be really happy if it works out for her.
[ oh, Falco :( Abel gently takes the polar bear keychain as he holds it out, and it just punctuates how decidedly unfair the entire situation was. he's so young, and it wasn't exactly rocket science to figure that he was far from the only child soldier in a war to serve someone else's ends ]
...That seems terribly like you. [ his smile is rueful as he turns the little bear over in his hands. ] Thinking of someone else, while going through something like that.
[ how many people has he mentioned gabi to? he likes talking about it, no doubt— it soothes his memory and makes his center bubble and flutter, as any thing would get to talk about someone dear. he might be young, but he's transitioning to the age, and he can't ignore it readily. his overall demeanor has changed for the better: a genuine smile creeps back onto his face and before he knew it, his ears and cheeks were burning red.
soon, all of south sister will know of gabi braun. ]
Her name's Gabi, she was the top of our class and everyone back home respects her tons. [ eldians, at least. some marleyans cared for her and never said. do you see this, abel? he is absolutely twitterpated and it's not even spring. ] She's a crazy fighter, and maybe when our home is safe again and we don't need to fight anymore, I— I can ask her out on a date.
[ look at him!!!!! and this confidence!!!!!!! falco wouldn't be saying it, under normal circumstances. he'd be focused on the more urgent things like the world being trampled, and the aftermath, but that was the thing, now. he had far too much time on his hands than he's used to. most of that time was spent thinking of wonderful possibilities to keep his little head on straight— he'd told her he dreamed of marrying her and that was never touched back up on, so . . . so! he needs to start somewhere, on the less catastrophic turn of things.
it's all a little dream that does him well, even if it's not possible, and even if his life is short. ]
[ he's a little taken aback by just how fond Falco is of this girl, and the name is definitely imprinted upon his memory. though he wouldn't wish this place on anyone... by the sounds of it - perhaps in some ways, it was an improvement from their home life. 'she's a crazy fighter.' he's talking about a child around the same age as him, isn't he...? these kids...
he places the little bear very gently back into Falco's palm, and his smile is warm and affectionate. ]
H-haha, a date, hm~? Ooo, so your feelings run that deep! Wow, Falco, I'm impressed...! Acknowledging your feelings so openly is very mature of you! [ he isn't teasing, either!! the sincerity behind Falco's statements spoke for themselves; he clearly felt extremely strongly about Gabi and it was quite touching. ]
She's a very lucky girl, to have someone who cares about her so much. I'm going to pray for the both of you and I expect an invitation to the wedding, got it...?! I'll find a way to get there, so don't forget about me!
[ falco’s mouth opens and closes quite a few times since getting the bear returned to him and getting a wedding day mention. he’s has always thought of it in the purest way, and precocious as it was— a boy can have his dreams, even more so when he won’t live long enough to fully accomplish them. ]
Sh—She didn’t say anything about that, yet— [ yet implying that he’s spoken of the matter before, but he’s getting too eggplant purple to talk about it fluidly. ] But we’re still sticking together so—?
[ so maybe?! he’ll probably figure it out in a few years. ]
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Hens are cute, I'll give you that. And I bet you'll do a wonderful job looking after them, the roosters too! They'll be lucky to have such a kind caretaker.
[ but-- ]
But you mentioned... a gift? Something the Admin gave you? [ that is cause for some concern, not only because of the child's circumstances, but the priest does not trust that man ]
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I asked for a rifle, so I could protect people, but . . . [ there was titan shifting too, but that . . . not only was it unstable, it was also overkill. the little orb rolls in his hand from side to side as he dips them gently. ] I never liked them. I don’t like hurting anyone. He gave me this instead, and said that if I practice hard enough, [ he holds his hand up with his palm curved up, just enough to keep it in place, ] it’d make anything lose its need for violence If I wanted them to.
[ it’s . . . a lot of responsibility. in the wrong hands, it could be a destructive advantage over people. it could make them defenseless over falco. he’s also a boy of his word though: he promised not to use it for anything that wasn’t either self defense or for someone’s own. the thought of it being with anyone else makes him swallow, tightly. ]
It’s just for a few minutes, but I think that’s more than enough to save someone. You won’t tell anyone else, right?
[ even if admin said it, that was alright. at least word didn’t come from falco when it came to others. he could become just as much of a weapon if the wrong person knew. ]
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[ ...but he was. ]
[ when he extolls the purpose of the orb, Abel can't help but stare at it. it could pacify someone? that was... immensely powerful-- Falco had the right gist of it, and not for the first time, the priest is left wondering at the Admin's intentions, left trying to figure out the sort of person who would give this to the boy. ]
It's beautiful...
[ he finds himself gently nodding his head in answer ] ...Of course. This will stay between us, okay? Please don't worry. [ it was a lot of responsibility to place on Falco's shoulders, this deceptively small object... but... ]
I think... you're the perfect master for this. If you learn how to use it well, then... you'll be able to do a lot of good with it. [ he hopes he would never have to use it-- but if he did... Abel knew he would do so wisely and with a pure heart ]
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I hope so . . . [ he takes the moment to take the thermos he was given to take a sip of the tea— very good tea. ] Master Admin said it’d help with my, [ a beat, before he sets the bottle down, slides his blazer off his shoulders to reveal what the collar had covered off: two purple swirls adjacent to each other enough that they form an uncanny “S” together, with large tendrils extending into his scalp, hidden by hair, and down to the start of his shoulders, ending at the space just before the nape on both sides. ] problem.
[ and if he wanted to see it better, he’d be given more room to. ]
And Father Orden said it was safe, for now.
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...Does it hurt, Falco?
[ the question is quiet. he wishes he had the strength of his colleagues, some way to remove this for him. perhaps he was a priest, but he hadn't been gifted with magic or spiritual energy or anything of the like - all he had was the sincere wish to make this child's burden vanish ]
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[ there’s something that’s been plaguing his thoughts, though. something stupid but still a concern that eats away at the attempts to say it: his lips move, but he doesn’t speak, only to suck in breath right after inhaling to start. ]
Back home they’d call us descendants of the devil. [ it’s a long history that falco doesn’t agree with, he’s just as human and deserving as everyone else, but . . . ] This doesn’t mean that’s true, does it?
[ because holy water was a quick association for agony, now, no matter how many times he tried to convince himself it was for good. you can’t quite convince someone with a phobia for needles that it won’t hurt— because it was terrifying even if needed. ]
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he had his suspicions that the boy was carrying the weight of a burden that'd existed long before he'd come here, but even so... ]
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[ he shifts a little where he's sitting, coming to kneel in front of the child so their eyes could meet properly ]
Why would anyone say something so terrible...?
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It’s . . . History, I guess. Eldians did a lot of horrible things to Marleyans in the past. They’re the only people who can turn into monsters, uh, [ gesture, ] giants. It’s what we all learn.
[ even if he didn’t agree, it wasn’t as if he could just ignore it. the world was so full of shades and he could see them all the way they are. beyond them, even. it sounded almost silly now, asking for that sort of reassurance, so he ducks his head. ]
I just, [ he lifts both hands and drops his fingers on his kneecaps again in a light fwup. ] wanted to make sure.
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there’s a reassuring confidence in his voice ]
You are nothing like the devil. Or a monster, or anything even close to that... okay?
[ his fingers give a gentle squeeze ]
People can say terrible things when they’re hurt or scared. It doesn’t make it right, but... I hope you know it means it was never about you. Because you are not what they’re afraid of, and that isn’t who you are inside.
[ Abel gently lifts the heavy rosary from where it’s dangling from his neck, hanging low over his lap. he takes one of Falco’s hands, and with care, winds small fingers around the time-worn edges, just to prove it won’t burn or hurt him. ]
See...? There’s no devil in you... just a boy.
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truth be told, falco is half reluctant at first, shying away from touching it until— he complies, keeps his fingers open and ready for the touch. nothing happens, and his shoulders ease from whatever tension it still held. ]
. . . Thank you. [ and to clarify: ] I know. I was just— worried. It almost felt like a coincidence.
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[ his expression softens into what he hopes is an encouraging smile. ...there is a darkness in Falco's eyes that has nothing to do with his possession and everything to do with things the child has seen he shouldn't have. experiences... memories. loss. grief. a burden he's too young to have been made to bear. ]
...Do you mind if I ask you something personal? And - I want you to know you can refuse to answer, if it makes you uncomfortable. Okay? Please don't feel like you have to tell me.
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That's fine . . . Don't worry about it. [ he's only been honest until now and even when it's dark, having someone around like that felt like he was looking at the warmth of a candle fire cupped in his hand. ] I like talking— It helps.
[ he has a green light to ask away. ]
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What is it like for you, back at home...?
[ there's unrest, and some sort of dispute between two peoples - he's gathered that much. but he means more personally. what is his home life like...? is he happy? is he safe? ]
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I lived in an internment zone with Mom and Dad until I was . . . Five, I think? In a city called Liberio. It’s in Marley. [ whether that would make a difference since so many worlds are different, he still said it. the time is a little muddled because he was certainly too young, and there was a stop in celebrating birthdays the second he was strong enough to carry a rifle. ] I was out for most of the time, so, things would change a lot. But it was . . . Alright. [ his “alright” is a little doubtful, mostly because it wasn’t the best and he wants change, but there’s fear of being ungrateful. things could be better, but they could also be much worse. oh— a little twinkle, even if he uses past tense: ] And I had a big brother, so we were together more than with our parents when we were out.
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...And where did you go, after that?
[ Abel tilts his head, the question lingering alongside concern in his eyes. had something happened to his family...? ]
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[ and that’s the full turn. ]
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Were your parents enlisted?
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They’re too old to, I think. [ and actually being taken to serve, in that case, was a death sentence for treachery. he’s been threatened of that already, that the whole family would be made part of the raiding fleet if he stepped out of line. ] It was just me and Colt.
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[ child soldiers?? he wishes the idea were more outlandish than it was... but that kind of life for a kind-hearted boy like this... ah. it makes him vaguely sick to think about it. the concern in his eyes deepens... ]
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[ it wasn't what he wanted, but among all the options? it was the best one. ]
I had to for my family at first, but now . . . [ oh, hold on. there's something in his pocket. it isn't anyone's, actually, he got it from fruit's basket and he carries it around just to soothe his memory since he had not photographs, but. there it is. a polar bear keychain. ] It's for someone else. And I'll be really happy if it works out for her.
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...That seems terribly like you. [ his smile is rueful as he turns the little bear over in his hands. ] Thinking of someone else, while going through something like that.
Will you tell me about her...?
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soon, all of south sister will know of gabi braun. ]
Her name's Gabi, she was the top of our class and everyone back home respects her tons. [ eldians, at least. some marleyans cared for her and never said. do you see this, abel? he is absolutely twitterpated and it's not even spring. ] She's a crazy fighter, and maybe when our home is safe again and we don't need to fight anymore, I— I can ask her out on a date.
[ look at him!!!!! and this confidence!!!!!!! falco wouldn't be saying it, under normal circumstances. he'd be focused on the more urgent things like the world being trampled, and the aftermath, but that was the thing, now. he had far too much time on his hands than he's used to. most of that time was spent thinking of wonderful possibilities to keep his little head on straight— he'd told her he dreamed of marrying her and that was never touched back up on, so . . . so! he needs to start somewhere, on the less catastrophic turn of things.
it's all a little dream that does him well, even if it's not possible, and even if his life is short. ]
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he places the little bear very gently back into Falco's palm, and his smile is warm and affectionate. ]
H-haha, a date, hm~? Ooo, so your feelings run that deep! Wow, Falco, I'm impressed...! Acknowledging your feelings so openly is very mature of you! [ he isn't teasing, either!! the sincerity behind Falco's statements spoke for themselves; he clearly felt extremely strongly about Gabi and it was quite touching. ]
She's a very lucky girl, to have someone who cares about her so much. I'm going to pray for the both of you and I expect an invitation to the wedding, got it...?! I'll find a way to get there, so don't forget about me!
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Sh—She didn’t say anything about that, yet— [ yet implying that he’s spoken of the matter before, but he’s getting too eggplant purple to talk about it fluidly. ] But we’re still sticking together so—?
[ so maybe?! he’ll probably figure it out in a few years. ]
I won’t!
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